ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
INS Kohassa – a New Bird’s Nest in the Andamans
Naval Air Station  Shibpur was commissioned as INS Kohassa by Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff today, on 24 Jan 19. The grand ceremony was attended by many dignitaries and senior officials including VAdm Bimal Verma, AVSM, ADC Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command. The ceremony included presentation of Ceremonial Guard, hoisting of the Commissioning Pennant and reading of the Ship’s Warrant by the Commanding Officer, Commander Kuldeep Tripathi. INS Kohassa has been named after a White-Bellied Sea Eagle, which is a large bird of prey, endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
NAS Shibpur was established in 2001 as a Forward Operating Air Base  for enhanced surveillance in North Andaman. The close proximity of Coco Islands  and wide expanse of Indian Exclusive Economic Zone  makes the base a very vital asset. The airfield provides sustained detached operations of Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard aircraft. The Air Station presently operates Short Range Maritime Reconnaissance  aircraft and helicopters. These aircraft undertake EEZ Surveillance, Anti-Poaching Missions, Search and Rescue  and Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief  missions within the ANC Area of Responsibility. As a point of interest, during the search operations of the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, Dornier DO 228s of the Navy and Coast Guard operated from this very base.
NAS Shibpur was identified by NITI Aayog as one of the ‘Early Bird’ project as part of holistic island development. Towards this, IN has been ready in all respects to facilitate civil flight operations from NAS Shibpur. The runway extension to 10,000 ft is also planned in the near future to facilitate operations of wide-bodied aircraft.
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Interviews for jobs abolished in 23 States and 8 UTs in India so far: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed here today that so far, interview for jobs has been abolished in 23 States and 8 Union Territories of India. This, he said, is a follow up to the abolition of interview for Group-B  and Group - C posts in the Central Government ever since 2016.
Giving a brief about some of the path-breaking reforms brought in by the Department of Personnel & Training , Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that it was on the 15th of August 2015, while speaking from the rampart of Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested abolition of interview and making the job selection totally on the basis of written test because whenever an interview call was received by a candidate, his entire family would get disturbed with apprehension and anxiety. On a quick follow up to the Prime Minister’s advice, he said, the DoPT undertook an expeditious exercise and within three months completed the entire process to announce abolition of interview for recruitment in Central Government with effect from 1st January, 2016.
However, Dr Jitendra Singh said that while some States like Maharashtra and Gujarat were quick to implement this rule, there were other States which were quite reluctant to abolish the conduct of interview for jobs.
He expressed satisfaction that after quite a bit of persuasion and repeated reminders to certain State governments, today the practice of conducting interview stands discontinued in all the 8 Union Territories of India including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and 23 out of 28 States of the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, in the past there had been complaints, grievances and allegations about marks in interview being manipulated to help certain favoured candidates. The abolition of interview and considering only the written test marks as merit for selection, he said, offers an equal level-playing field to all the candidates.
In addition to bringing in transparency and objectivity in the recruitment process, Dr Jitendra Singh said, several States have also reported heavy savings on the State Exchequer because quite a substantial expenditure was being incurred in conducting interview of candidates whose number often ran in thousands and the interview process continued for several days together.
Pertinent to mention that earlier there had often been complaints of the written test merit being compromised by lowering the interview marks of the candidate in order to help certain candidates for dubious considerations. There were also allegations of job for money or heavy amount being paid to secure jobs by manipulating the interview marks.
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SNC
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal participates in virtual Ministerial Meeting on Economic Benefits for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity 
India to host next special negotiation round for Pillars II-IV of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework 
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal along with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and other IPEF partner countries, participated in virtual Ministerial Meeting on Economic Benefits for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity .
Shri Goyal complimented partner countries for taking the initiative in right earnest. He expressed his belief that IPEF will promote inclusive development through enhancement of trade and investment in the region.
Minister Goyal extended invitation to all partners countries for the next special negotiation round for Pillars 2-4 of IPEF to be hosted by India on 8-11 February, 2023.
He urged members to focus energy on early harvest of deliverables which can benefit all the members. He was happy to note that there seemed to be a consensus among members on setting up of an investment forum consisting of private and public sector stakeholders to encourage investment in clean energy sector, during recent round at Brisbane, Australia.
The Minister shared his views on some of the common tangible benefits like capacity building; technical assistance, including sharing of expertise and best practices; investments, innovative projects, etc, expected out of this initiative.
Shri Goyal also shared with IPEF partners some of India’s specific expectations under IPEF. He said that India can contribute towards supply chain resilience in sectors like pharmaceuticals and invited support from members in semiconductors, critical minerals and clean technologies including on innovative projects which can be promoted beyond IPEF in other developing countries. He further talked about the non-paper submitted by India on some of the ideas like mobilization of financial resources for climate action at reasonable costs. He also drew attention of partner countries on need for measures to counter terror financing.
Further, the Minister expressed his full support to the negotiations schedule agreed at the Brisbane meeting held recently.
Secretary Raimondo welcomed India's offer to host the special negotiation round for Pillars 2-4 of IPEF and assured that the US IPEF team would work closely with India in this regard.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel’s meets Mrs. Amal Salih Saad Mohamed, Minister of Trade and Supply, Republic of Sudan
Smt. Patel asks the visiting Sudanese Trade & supply Minister to benefit from the preferential market access offered by India
Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry , Smt. Anupriya Patel today met Mrs. Amal Salih Saad Mohamed, Minister of Trade and Supply, Republic of Sudan, who is on a two day visit to New Delhi to attend 17th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership held on 19-20 July 2022.
The Ministers reviewed the bilateral relations with a focus on trade and investment, defence & maritime cooperation. Both sides appreciated that there is a deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people ties between both the two countries. Many students from Sudan are pursuing their higher studies in institutions across India. Both sides agreed to further strengthen and diversify trade and economic linkages.
MoS emphasized that India has always stood in solidarity with the people of Sudan and partnered in undertaking development projects, capacity building and humanitarian assistance. She also called upon Sudan to effectively utilise and benefit from the preferential market access offered by India under India’s Duty- Free Tariff Preference  Scheme for Least developed countries  and LDCs services waiver schemes.
Competition Commission of India
Cabinet approves Memorandum on Cooperation  between Competition Commission of India  and Japan Fair Trade Commission 
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Memorandum on Cooperation  between Competition Commission of India  and Japan Fair Trade Commission  to promote and strengthen cooperation in the matter of Competition Law and Policy.
Impact:
The approved MoC, through exchange of information, will enable CCI to emulate and learn from the experiences and lessons of its counterpart competition agency in Japan which would enhance efficiency. The same will help improve enforcement of the Competition Act, 2002 by CCI. The resultant outcomes will benefit consumers at large and will promote equity and inclusiveness.
Details:
It will envisage to promote and strengthen cooperation in the matter of Competition Law and policy through exchange of information as well as through various capacity building initiatives in the areas of technical cooperation, experience sharing and enforcement cooperation
Background:
Section 18 of the Competition Act, 2002 permits CCI to enter into any memorandum or arrangement with any agency of any foreign country for the purpose of discharging its duties or performing its functions under the Act.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Training of Trainers program organizes at National Law University, Lucknow
45 participants from 16 districts attend session
Under Department of Justice's Pan India Legal Literacy & Legal Awareness Program, National Law University  New Delhi hosted a 3-day Training of Trainers program from 6-8th July 2023 at Dr R.M.L NLU Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. 45 participants from 16 districts attended the session.
During the training 10 sessions were held, led by Prof. B.B. Pande, Adv. Abha Singhal Joshi, Adv. Renu Mishra, Dr. K.A. Pandey, Dr. Aparajita Bhatt, & Mr. Chamkaur Singh who deliberated on various socio-legal issues ranging from Gender-Based Violence to Cyber Crimes, and Safeguards provided under the law.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to participate in the valedictory ceremony of centenary celebrations of Delhi University on 30th June
PM to lay the foundation stone of Building of Faculty of Technology, Computer Centre and Academic Block of the University
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the valedictory Ceremony of centenary celebrations of Delhi University on 30th June, 2023 at Multipurpose Hall of Delhi University Sports Complex at around 11 AM. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.
During the programme, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Delhi University Computer Centre and the building of Faculty of Technology, and of the Academic Block which will be built in the North Campus of the University
University of Delhi was established on 1st May 1922. In the last hundred years, the University has grown and expanded immensely and now has 86 departments, 90 Colleges, more than 6 lakh students, and has contributed immensely in nation building.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
GeM Signs MoU With Government of NCT Delhi
Government e Marketplace  has entered into an MoU, with the Government of National Capital Territory  of Delhi, in order to facilitate buyer organizations of Delhi towards a market-based procurement. Delhi has consistently been among the top buyers on GeM. The MoU will further expedite the harmonisation of the procurement guidelines of the two entities and integration of the systems, enabling seamless procuring experience.
The MoU was signed by Rajeev Kandpal, CFO & Joint Secretary, GeM and Neeraj Bharati, Special Secretary Finance, Government of NCT of Delhi. With this, GeM has now entered into MoUs with 30 States and UTs.
GeM set up by Department of Commerce, Government of India, is a state-of-the-art public procurement platform that provides tools for direct purchase, bidding and reverse auction for ensuring transparent and efficient procurement. There are more than 40 thousand buyer organizations and over 3 lakh sellers and service providers registered on the portal. In addition, more than 3,000 product categories comprising approximately 15 lakh products and services are available on GeM. The transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness provided by the portal has resulted in an average saving of 15 – 25% for government organizations.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari says there are 70 projects underway in Andhra Pradesh totaling 2,014 kilometers worth Rs 33,540 Crore
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said there are currently 70 projects underway, totaling 2,014 kilometers and costing ₹33,540 Crore in Andhra Pradesh. Addressing Andhra Pradesh's Global Investment Summit 2023 at Visakhapatnam today he said efforts are being made to establish 5 Green Highways and 2 Expressways at a total cost of ₹32,430 Crore .
Shri Gadkari said during 2022-23 works costing ₹15,400 Crore have been awarded for a length of 777 kilometers across 27 projects. He said additionally, two Multimodal Logistics Parks  have been sanctioned in Visakhapatnam and Anantapur at a cost of ₹1,797 crore. These MMLPs will serve as a key hub for centralizing freight cargo consolidation in the region, he added.
Shri Gadkari said over the past eight and half years  of Modi Government there has been a significant increase in the length of NHs in Andhra Pradesh. The Minister said the length has expanded from 4,193 kilometers to 8,744 kilometers,. He said today, we are approving the 6-lane Vizag Port Highway on NH 16 near Bhogapuram with a length of 55 Km costing 6300 Crore.
Shri Gadkari said in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's commitment to promoting sustainable practices, we are focused on converting our farmers to Urjadata while continuing to support them as Annadata. He said we also advocate for swadeshi manufacturing, which prioritizes safety, recyclability, and sustainability. He said our goal is to create opportunities for green energy and a green economy in the mobility sector.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Finance Minister Shri Buggana Rajendranath Reddy, Minister for Industry, Infrastructure & Investment Shri Gudivada Amarnath and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
MJPS
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to a landslide in Raigad, Maharashtra
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a landslide in Raigad, Maharashtra.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Raigad, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
The situation in Maharashtra due to heavy rains is being closely monitored and assistance is being provided to the affected."
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs. 50,000 to those injured.
In a PMO tweet, the Prime Minister said, "PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to a landslide in Raigad, Maharashtra. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured."
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Status of Jal Jeevan Mission
To enable every rural household across the country to have provision of potable tap water supply by 2024, Government of India in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission  since August 2019.
At the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission , 3.23 Crore  households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, around 7.43 Crore rural households have been provided with tap water connections under the JJM. Thus, as on 05.12.2022, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, around 10.66 Crore  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. State/ UT-wise details are annexed.
To achieve the goal of JJM in the whole country with speed, a number of steps have been taken inter alia, which includes joint discussion and finalization of annual action plan  of States/ UTs, regular review of implementation, workshops/ conferences/ webinars for capacity building and knowledge sharing, field visits by multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, etc. A detailed Operational Guideline for the implementation of JJM; Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats & VWSCs to provide safe drinking water in rural households and Guidelines on a special campaign to provide piped water supply in anganwadi centres, ashramshalas and schools have been shared with States/ UTs to facilitate planning and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. For online monitoring, JJM–Integrated Management Information System  and JJM–Dashboard has been put in place. Provision has also been made for transparent online financial management through Public Financial Management System . Implementation of the Mission is on track.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
POWERGRID celebrates anniversary of One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency today
70 Sub-stations across India along with Regional Headquarters lit up in tricolour to mark this day
As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, POWERGRIID is commemorating landmark achievement of completion of One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency.
POWERGRID celebrated the anniversary of this momentous occasion on 31st December, 2021 by organizing a number of events. 70 Sub-stations across India along with Regional Headquarters have been lit up in tricolour to mark this momentous achievement. As part of the celebrations, people witnessed the projection of a video film, which captures benefits of One Nation One Grid One Frequency for the common man, encapsulating views of eminent personalities of the power sector on this achievement. On this occasion an outreach activity was undertaken to make people aware about the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the progress made by the nation ever-since.
Medical camps have been organized for communities living in vicinity of these 70 Sub-stations spread across the country. The local population benefited from these medical camps through free health checkups. Apart from this, blood donation camps were also organized at various places.
About One Nation One Grid One Frequency
Grid management in the country, on a regional basis started in the sixties. At the beginning, state grids were interconnected to form a regional grid and India was demarcated into 5 regions namely Northern, Eastern, Western, North Eastern and Southern regions. With time each grid was connected to the other, to allow greater availability and transfer of power. It all came together when the Southern Region was connected to the Central Grid, with commissioning of 765 kV Raichur-Solapur Transmission Line, thereby achieving ‘ONE NATION-ONE GRID-ONE FREQUENCY’. The Srinagar Leh Transmission System was connected to the National Grid, and was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in 2019.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Swachhata Special Campaign 2.0 activities at SACON
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupendra Yadav inspected the “Swachhata" Special Campaign 2.0 at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History under the MoEF&CC. Cleanliness and good governance are the key pillars of this campaign.
As part of the campaign, SACON initiated segregation of all the scrap  and is disposing it in a safe and sustainable manner. Cleanliness drive was carried out in the entire campus with focus on laboratories, workspaces, library. The Union Minister inspected SACON and appreciated the initiatives being undertaken.
Clean Laboratory space at SACON
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inspecting SACON
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Goyal says that in the post-Covid era, there is going to be perceptible change in the global supply-chains, and India should be looking to capture significant share in the world trade.
Minister of Commerce and Industry & Railways Shri Piyush Goyal today, through Video Conferencing, held discussions with the Export Promotion Councils of the country. He called upon the Exporters to identify their strengths, potentials and competitive advantages in specific sectors, and focus on harnessing them in the world markets. ShriGoyal said that in the post-Covid era, there is going to be perceptible change in the global supply-chains, and Indian industrialists and exporters should be looking to capture significant share in the world trade. He assured them that the Government will be a pro-active supporter and facilitator in their efforts, and the Indian Missions abroad can play an important role in that. The Minister said that Incentives can be given, but they have to be justified, reasonable, and WTO-compliant.
Shri Goyal said that the Ministry is working on identifying the specific sectors which can be taken forward in the immediate future for the Exports purpose. He said that India is going to have a bumper Rabi harvest this season, and our storage facilities are overflowing. At the same time, there are news stories that there is shortage of food items in several countries. Many places are not having food of appropriate quality, taste and quantity, due to disruptions in the supply chains because of Covid-19 crisis. He said that this seems to be a good opportunity for export of agricultural and processed food items. The Minister exhorted the Export promotion councils to undertake brainstorming sessions with its members, and come up with similar actionable, big-ticket ideas.
The EPC Office bearers expressed their gratitude to the Minister, for providing support and coming out with time-bound solutions, during the Covid pandemic and lockdown. They made several suggestions, which may further facilitate their functioning. The meeting was attended, among others, by FIEO, AEPC, SRTEPC, CLE, SEPC, Chemexcil, GJEPC, CEPC, Shefexil, CEPCI, PEPCI, Pharmexcil, ECSEPC, EEPC, TEPC, Capexil, Chemexcil.